Ulan Bator Travel Guide, Mongolia

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Location

This interesting capital city is located inland Mongolia on the banks of the Tuul River. Ulan Bator travel guide presents the main features of this cultural and economic Mongol centre.

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Topography and Climate

Ulan Bator is set at the foot hills of the Bogd Khan Uul Mountain at an average elevation of 900m. The surrounding steep mountains and Tuul River crossing the city create a characteristic image for mountainous Mongolia which blends harmoniously with the industrial image brought by the modern part of the city.

Climate in this part of Mongolia is harsh with sub arctic and arid characteristics sustained by the high elevation and its position towards North Pole. This type of climate brings long and cool winters with scarce snowfall and short chilly summers with higher humidity.

Tuul River represents an important resource for the city, unfortunately with a poorer water quality every year due to industrial activities as well as the increasing number of dwellings set on its banks which influence it negatively.

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

Set in a fabulous surrounding landscape, Ulan Bator keeps some of the atmosphere and scents of the nearby mountains and low hills with several species of Siberian cedars, pine trees, wild cherry and larches. Within the city vegetation is mainly made up of decorative plants while along the Tuul River we can admire numerous plant species adapted to high humidity like poplars, willows and alders.

Fauna is also diverse and well represented by terrestrial as well as aquatic species. The terrestrial ones are made up of squirrels, swans, foxes, rodents and few domestic animals. Aquatic species are mainly represented by different types of carps, lenok and so on, some of these species being very important in the local economy.

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Population

The capital city houses a number of about 1.100.000 people and is the main cultural and economic centre in Mongolia. The official language used in local administration and education is Mongol; still the locals speak a dialect called Khalka, which has its origins about nine centuries ago. Since the city is the Mongol capital city, English and Russian are also spoken, so you will have no problems in this respect.

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Culture and Arts

Ulan Bator is a place where tradition plays an important role in the locals’ life. On the streets of Ulan Bator one can admire people dressed in traditional costumes every day, admire old buildings with a characteristic architecture or visit one of the many monasteries within the city. For a better idea over the local culture and arts one should visit the Fine Arts Museum and the State Central Museum, representative institutions in preserving and showing local traditions and arts.

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Transport

Ulan Bator is a major transportation hub in Mongolia even if it does not have too many modern facilities and roads. The city is set minutes away from the only Mongol international airport called after a national hero, Ghengis Khan International Airport, connecting the country directly only with Europe and Asia. Cities like Baotou and Ulaanbaatar are easily reached. Roads are plenty but only some are paved, railroads are also present here and connect the city with the famous Trans Mongolian Express railway system. Within the city buses are the most popular option for tourists, making great connections between all major attractions in Ulan Bator.

Ulan Bator, Travel Guide – Festivals

One of the most important and most popular events in the city is the Naadam Festival, a remaining from the times when the Mongol warriors were always ready for a battle. The event takes place every July, lasting for three entire days and remembers us of all the preparations men went through before going to war. During the festival tourists can admire archery contests with beautifully dressed archers, horse riding contests, traditional dancing and singing, traditional costumes parade, Mongolian wrestling competitions and more. This event is the most important here and gathers locals of all ages from adults to children, on this occasion also celebrating together the Mongolia’s national day.